The work will be conducted over the next two weeks using a long-reach excavator to load cattails and sediment into trucks for disposal.

The Water Agency recently received long-term permits from federal and state regulatory agencies to conduct routine flood control maintenance in the channels where it has maintenance authority. It is the first year the agency is operating in the Petaluma area under the permits, which streamline the process for conducting the sensitive work, agency spokeswoman Ann DuBay said.

The agency recently excavated the Adobe Creek sediment basin and is also working on Washington Creek.

Crews have also conducted vegetation maintenance work on portions of Adobe, Corona, East Washington, Washington, McDowell, Lichau, Lynch and Thompson Creeks.

The Water Agency owns or has easements to maintain 75 miles of engineered flood control channels near Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma and Sonoma. The agency also maintains water capacity in 150 miles of modified or natural channels.

For information about the Water Agency's Stream Maintenance Program, go to www.sonomacountywater.org/stream-maintenance-program.